Why do fatty foods cause severe stomach cramps?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 24 year old female. What could be the cause of a severe stomach pain that happens after eating nuts, seeds, and things with oil in them?

By oil, I mean even olive oil and not just greasy foods. This reaction has been happening for a year or so, and I have avoided these foods as a result.

I recently had rice with olive oil, and within five minutes, my stomach hurt so bad that it felt like the beginning or middle stages of labor.

I have taken a Pepcid, and it did nothing. I do not have any diarrhea or vomiting, just severe pain, and stomach cramps.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Severe stomach pain and cramps can be caused by pancreatitis and food allergy. In your case, both are equally probable. Pancreatitis is a common cause of pain that occurs after the intake of oil-rich foods. Food allergy is a diagnosis of exclusion.

I suggest the following investigations be done:

Serum amylase test during the pain episode.
Complete blood count with ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate).
Liver function test.
Ultrasound of the upper abdomen, with a specific focus on the pancreas, preferably done during a pain episode.
Stool routine examination.

Avoid all the precipitating agents. Further management methods can be decided after the investigations are done. Revert with the reports.

Revert with more information to a medical gastroenterologist online.

Why do fatty foods cause severe stomach cramps?

Fatty foods causing stomach cramps?